One of the reasons the Jacksonville Jaguars opted not to make a splash in free agency was that they expect their 2025 draft class to make a leap next season. Travis Hunter, safety Caleb Ransaw, and Wyatt Milum, all three missed significant time with injuries last year but will be ready to go for Week 1.
Milum, in particular, was making a strong impression in training camp before a knee injury stalled all the momentum he built. The good news is that he's back at full strength, and nobody would bat an eye if he seized a starting job in his second NFL season.
What did Wyatt Milum do as a rookie with the Jaguars?
Wyatt Milum had an exchange with team correspondent John Shipley and stated that "he's the strongest he's felt since entering the league," adding that everything feels good.
Later in the conversation, Milum said he spent his time learning the playbook while he recovered from the knee injury. He later told Shipley he was thrilled his teammates were willing to help him, noting that he tried to pick up things by watching everyone prepare.
Milum ended up appearing on 101 offensive snaps last year, most of them at right guard. However, he also lined up at left guard and left tackle. Then again, that sample isn't big enough to make an accurate assessment. This is why it will be pivotal for the former West Virginia Mountaineer to make a show out in training camp.
Wyatt Milum could challenge Patrick Mekari for the RT job at Jaguars training camp
Patrick Mekari was the Jaguars' prized acquisition in 2025's free agency, inking a three-year deal worth $35 million. However, he left much to be desired. During his six-year stint with the Baltimore Ravens, the former California Golden Bear lined up at all five positions up front but finally settled at left guard in 2024. His transition to the right side in Duval was expected to be seamless, but it wasn't.
It didn't help that Mekari dealt with a back injury late in 2025. He's now 100 percent healthy, and there's a strong chance the veteran hog molly will bounce back. That said, he'll need to look over his shoulder, as Wyatt Milum could push him for the starting job.
Milum played left tackle at the collegiate level but may be better suited to line up inside because he doesn't have ideal arm strength. Nobody would bat an eye if he unseats Mekari in training camp. This is a realistic scenario when you take into account that the current regime has put a legitimate emphasis on competition and isn't afraid to give the job to whoever performs best.
Of course, Patrick Mekari won't give up his job without a fight, but Wyatt Milum has a legitimate shot to win it. This is why the position battle at right guard could turn out to be one of the most heated ones the Jaguars will hold in training camp.
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